GIRLSAIFE INITIATIVE ON KAMA PROJECT

July 26, 2019

The Girlsaife Initiative is a Non-Governmental Organization that is committed to empowering and supporting girls, women, young people and underserved communities in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. The organization recently launched a new project; The ‘Keep All Mothers Alive’ (KAMA) Project. This initiative aims to tackle the 5 leading causes of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa through various interventions. It is aimed at serving pregnant women within and outside Nigeria. The intervention is poised to provide a variety of interventions to tackle the 5 leading causes of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

With this in mind, Girlsaide Initiative organized a Launch and Symposium to commence the onset of this project which held on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 at the Accenture Seminar Room, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Opposite the Lagos University Teaching Hospital main gate Surulere, Lagos. The symposium with the theme ‘The Maternal Mortality Question: The Whys and Hows; Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy’ presented an opportunity to initiate discussions around maternal mortality in Nigeria, with particular focus on Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

According to the World Health Organization, over 800 women die from childbirth daily, 145 of these deaths occur in Nigeria. In fact, Nigeria recorded 58,000 maternal deaths and ranks second highest contributor to maternal death globally. Nigeria is regarded as one of the most dangerous places to give birth.

Of the leading causes of maternal mortality, Hypertensive Disorders (Preeclampsia & Eclampsia) have not received the attention it desperately requires. Globally, over 70,000 women and 500,000 babies die due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy annually and for every woman that dies (mostly in developing countries), another 20 suffers life-changing complications and are at a higher risk of stroke or heart attack in future. Locally, according to Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Lagos 2017, Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (Eclampsia) was found to be the leading cause of death. Despite these rising and alarming figures, awareness and intervention to reduce the occurrence of this disease and its complications seem not to be in place.

Apart from the maternal deaths caused by these diseases, lifelong complications such as blindness, stroke, and the immeasurable pain of miscarriages and delivery of stillbirths are some of the other drawbacks experienced by those affected. The cost of managing complicated cases is huge with the need for numerous diagnostic investigations and Intensive Care Unit admission.

Many of these challenges and so much more was discussed with solutions proffered by the Professor Adetokunbo O Fabanwo, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) who was the Keynote Speaker at the symposium and a powerful panel which included the president of the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Nigeria (SOGON) who was ably represented by Dr Gbadegesin, the Vice Chairman of SOGON, Lagos Chapter, Mrs Akinde, Principal of School of Midwifery( Lagos University Teaching Hospital), Mrs and Dr FD Haleemah Olalere, a Consultant Obstetrician and Lecturer. Also in attendance were various cadre of health care workers; Medical doctors, midwives, nurses, community health workers, traditional birth attendants politicians, policymakers, pharmaceuticals, organizations committed to maternal health and social advancement and other stakeholders.

Other special guests in attendance included Pastor Femi Faseru of KICC, Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe Publisher TW Magazine, Mrs. Marina Osoba of Laroche Foundation, Distinguished Professor Oye-Adeniran, and Professor Fasanmade, Mr. Austin from US Consulate, Representatives of Hon. Desmond Elliot, and Generix Pharmaceuticals.

According to Dr. Lewu, the Founder of Girlsaide Initiative and Convener of the “Keep All Mothers Alive” Project, ‘Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and their complications can be prevented through anticipatory and proactive interventions, community based care approach with emphasis on task shifting and must begin to take forefront in order for us as a country to effectively tackle maternal and perinatal deaths’, she also made a clarion call to all relevant stakeholders and says ‘the time to act is now’. The launch had so many high lights.

‘We are calling on all arms of the government (Federal, state, local) policymakers, organizations, individuals and all members of the community to intervene and ensure that women do not lose their lives while trying to give life’ by investing in various health-related gaps and making health care and services accessible and affordable.

The Initiative also showed appreciation to Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation and Access Bank PLC for their show of support and strength by providing the financial support required to commence the project, train hundreds of community health workers and screening of thousands of pregnant women while providing job aids, free medical consumables, and equipment. The KAMA Project team hopes other organizations and individuals follow suit and begin to invest in interventions that can save lives and collectively improve our maternal health indices.

The project is set to pilot in 6 communities in Lagos and Ogun state.

The Girlsaide Initiative’s vision is to be a catalyst that enables the female gender to achieve her full potentials and ensure parity in our communities

Website: www.girlsaide.org

Email:girlsaide@gmail.com